AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam’s best days out.
The 15 best evening & light festival cruises in Amsterdam, with prices, run times and who you book through. The ones worth planning an afternoon around, and what each ticket actually includes.
Amsterdam evening canal cruise on UNESCO waterways with 19-language audio, optional wine snacks, and standout night views from the bridges.
Most Popular“lovely activity, beautiful views at night. Only downside was being told to be quiet by the captain every now and again.”
Hour-long Amsterdam evening canal cruise with live English commentary, an onboard bar, and electric boat views of the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House.
“The pickup point was easy to find and we boarded on time. Our crew was friendly and knowledgeable. The only unexpected issue was that our cruise was somehow hosted by Heineken, which was not mentioned when I booked. We each ended up with a free drink, but the content of the tour was largely focused…”
75-minute 100% electric Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise with blankets, live storytelling, and optional unlimited beer, wine, glühwein.
“Great hosts, can't remember their names unfortunately.”
1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise with optional open bar, rain-covered boat, passing UNESCO sights like Jordaan, Prinsengracht and Anne Frank House.
“The trip was fantastic. Roman was a great guide and the skipper very accommodating. Thoroughly recommend this tour.”
Heated Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise with drinks and snacks, English live guide, 75 minutes, cozy covered boat from Central.
“Snacks could be improve/replace, fruits and cheese”
De Wallen at night with Oude Kerk, coffeeshops, Dutch snacks, and shots. Learn the stories behind the red lights.
“Felix was excellent. We enjoyed the tour very much, it was very informative.”
A 1.5-hour Amsterdam Canal Belt night cruise with wine, Dutch cheese, and views of Golden Age houses and lit bridges, plus WiFi.
“This cruise was great fun, unlimited wine with some cheese and bread. Lovely informative tour for an hour and a half included. A very enjoyable evening 😍”
Glide past Amsterdam canal lights on a glass boat with Dutch cheese and wines. 75 minutes, smart casual, central Damrak start.
“Brilliant experience - the boat set-up was much more romantic / personal than others I’ve seen where you’re sat in a big circle with everyone, really nice to get your own table. The host was really funny and informative, always kept our glasses topped up - great value for money!”
90-minute evening canal cruise in Amsterdam with audio in English plus optional wine and cheese, passing key sights in night lights.
“Beautiful views with audio to follow. Great length and ability to bring a drink along. Night views were beautiful.”
Heated Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise with an English host, 20+ light artworks, plus drinks and optional snacks on a classic saloon boat.
“Our guides did an excellent job engaging the group on the boat. They shared the thought process behind the light displays and how they were inspired, while also providing some history of what we were passing. This isn’t your typical holiday light show, so if that’s what you are looking for, this isn’t for you.…”
A cozy 90-minute sunset canal cruise from the Rijksmuseum with silent electric power, great nighttime views, and included snacks and drinks.
“I’ve actually done this canal tour three times now, once with a friend, once with my mother, and now finally with my husband. It’s an easy way to learn a bit about Amsterdam and its history while relaxing with wine and some light snacks. The strength of the tour really depends on it’s captain, so…”
Heated electric Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with live skipper commentary, 20 light artworks, optional drinks. 1.5 hours on a covered boat.
“loved the art work as we went round the canals. lovely way to see more of amsterdam”
Night canal cruise for Amsterdam Light Festival with optional unlimited warm drinks, guided views of Central Station and NEMO, end by Rembrandtplein.
“I was disappointed there were not much lights to see, the boat ride was nice but very few lights . If they are going to really show case Christmas make it more festival .”
Sip Dutch wine and cheese on a 90-minute Amsterdam canal cruise near Central Station, passing the Golden Bend and iconic bridges.
“It was lovely evening, staff was very friendly. The only very small issue was that our boat had some technical problems but it did not effect us that much. Would recommend any time.”
Heated Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise with hot drinks and snacks. 75 minutes of illuminated art by night in English.
“Poor joining instructions/directions, chaos on the quayside. You’re crammed into massively overheated boats and because they’re covered you can’t see much. Nearly passed out from the heat and overcrowding. Don’t bother.”
From the canal ring to the great museums to the windmills and tulip fields, and every way to spend a day in the city.
